Conor's Newsletter: Issue 50
StarCraft business models, decoding Facebook Ads, and identity as a superpower
Hey there 👋🏼
Let's get to the links I found worth sharing this week. As always, enjoy the newsletter and let me know what you think! If this was forwarded to you, check out some previous issues and subscribe for future updates.
📝 What I Wrote
Strong Identity, Weakly Held
I've always been interested in the idea of identity and what it means to us. Personally, I think it gets a bad rap. When used correctly, identity can kind of be a superpower.
Connections Before Advice
Readers will come for what you’re saying, but they will keep coming back for why you’re saying it. Give context from your experiences. Connect first, and then worry about advice.
📚 What I Read
Shopify: A StarCraft Inspired Strategy
CEO of Shopify and avid StarCraft player, Tobi Lütke has built a hell of a business. Turns out, there are more similarities between the two domains than meets the eye. Lütke responded to this post calling it “a frighteningly good read of his psyche.”
Facebook Advertising Decoded in 15 Minutes
This in-depth post on Facebook advertising from a former employee of 7-years is super interesting. I’m just starting to learn more about paid ads, so if you disagree with any points in this article then let me know!
Technical Research and Preparation
I thought I knew how to do research, and then I came across this write-up from Keavy McMinn of Netlify. McMinn breaks down how to scope out a problem and attack it systematically in this fantastic 10-minute read.
The Many Hats of a Data Analyst
Check out this great post on the different interpretations of analysts for startups, particularly in the 50-150 employee stage. From PM to Engineer, it’s all covered here.
💥 What I Found Interesting
Airbnb Career Advice
Robert Chang of Airbnb has written some great stuff before, so when he gives advice, I listen! Lots of gold in this thread, I particularly enjoyed the idea of “personal moats.”
Minimum Viable Companies
It’s not enough to *simply* build something that people want. You need product value, a sound business model, and an ecosystem that allows for scale. Premature growth can be a dangerous game.
🤔 Quote I'm Pondering
"A little imprisonment can set you free. Rather than restricting your freedom, a routine gives you freedom by protecting you from the ups and downs of life and helping you take advantage of your limited time, energy, and talent. A routine establishes good habits that can lead to your best work.” — Austin Kleon
Thanks for reading! I’ll see you next week at the usual time. If you’re finding this newsletter valuable, please share it with your friends.
Until next time,
Conor 🧑💻